Tuesday, January 1, 2013

STYLISH DESTINATIONS - KRABI

By Eva Fydrych

Your perfect winter getaway

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Krabi, an idyllic province in Southern Thailand, is the ultimate travel destination. The province features a coastline with over 200 islands, unspoilt white-sand beaches, and stunning scenery that includes limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Crystal clear waters of Andaman Sea make it a great place for diving, snorkelling, and boat trips to explore the islands.

Krabi Town, with its parallel streets, markets, shops selling diverse items such as textiles, antiques, Buddha sculptures, decorated masks, wooden elephants and painted fans, resembles one large colourful bazaar. There are several small shops selling interesting local clothes and accessories and it's easy to find the real bargains: colorful beads, flip-flops, beach bags, and sarongs. It is worth remembering that Thailand is one of the world's leading manufacturers of textiles and ready-to-wear clothing.

Thai batik (Photo courtesy of Bodhi Tree)

One of the major shopping attractions in Krabi is the opportunity to purchase some truly magnificent dresses, sarongs and fashion accessories made of batik. Inspired by the natural surroundings, the sea and marine life, they are hand crafted piece by piece. Unlike the colourful Phuket fabrics, the Krabi batik is more subdued, natural and earthy. The colours are extracted from mangrove species like Rhizophora and the production process consist of using copper block to apply melted wax pattern onto the fabric.

Ao Nang beach (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

View from Ao Nang Beach

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua), located close to Krabi Town, is one of Thailand’s finest natural wonders and is considered by Krabi's Bhuddists to be one of the most sacred sites in the province. It offers a genuine spiritual experience in stunning natural surroundings. Even for those who are not religiously inclined there are some fascinating sights here, which are well worthy of a visit. The temple here is a warren of natural caves formed within a lush jungle and the view from the top is an unforgettable experience.

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

There are interesting icons and relics in the main temple cave but the real attraction here is the ‘footprint of the Buddha’. To get to this historic site you need to hike 1,237 steps up a limestone tower which is a challenging climb especially in the Thai climate. Those who make it to the top are compensated with panoramic 360 degree views of the amazing Andaman Sea, tropical islands, dramatic limestone cliff formations, verdant rainforests and ‘the Buddha’s footprint’.

How to get there: Tiger Cave Temple is located about three kilometres from Krabi Town and is easiest reached by mini-bus, taxi or tuk-tuk (make sure to arrange a fare with the tuk-tuk driver in advance).

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

360 degree view from the mountain above Wat Tham Seua

What others say about Krabi Town:

"Krabi Town is a market Thai town that was around long before international tourists started to visit the area. It's charming, laid back, and as much as the word is overused, it's very local. Tourism has arrived, but Krabi Town doesn't jump through hoops to bring in foreigners; as the main commercial and transit point for the province, it doesn't need to. Its unique personality is a welcome contrast to the surrounding beach areas.

The river is a hub of activity with fishing boats and river taxis ferrying both locals and visitors to spots near and far and the pier to the west of town is the place to catch a ride to the surrounding beaches and islands. Many visitors hurry to the big name destinations - Railay, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi - getting in and out of town as quickly as possible. But for those interested in a dose of genuine Thai culture and hospitality, sticking around Krabi Town is a rewarding experience."

Source: AsiaWeb

Krabi Town (view from a rooftop bar)

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Funky lights in a local hostel

Eva Fydrych during a snorkelling trip around the islands (Bikini by Prosun)

Climate:

The best time to visit Krabi is between the months November to April when the area's climate is less hot than usual.

Accommodation:

Depending on your budget, Krabi offers several options of accommodation. The Tubkaak Krabi, a boutique resort surrounded by lush forest and gorgeous beaches, is definitely one of the best places to stay. This stylish resort, the Travelers' Choice 2012 award recipient, is a real a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. It features modern, beautifully designed rooms and suites - have a look at the pictures below!

Laurel Suite (All photos courtesy of Tubkaak)

Laurel Suite

Seaview Room

Tubkaak Suite

Deluxe Room

Tubkaak Suite

Tubkaak Suite (All photo courtesy of Tubkaak)

Beauty Treatments:

Krabi's hot climate and tropical scenery make it an ideal location to indulge in a spa treatment. Most spas in Krabi are situated outdoors in fragrant gardens with old-style Thai wooden pavilions and inspiring views. Massage, body scrubs, wraps and facials are the most common treatments available, and most spas offer herbal steam and Jacuzzi facilities as well.

Our recommendation: Pimalai Spa located on a beautiful island Koh Lanta. The journey to Pimalai from Krabi airport takes approximately 1hr 45mins up to 2hr 15mins depending on the season and the selected route. Available massage treatments include Royal Siam Massage, Swedish Massage, Oriental Fusion, Asian Aroma and Pimalai Signature. The spa also offers a wide variety of body scrubs and body wraps, facial treatments, and standard beauty salon services (manicure, pedicure, waxing). Enjoy your holiday! ;)

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